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USB-Stick vernichten
In brief
Destroying a USB stick means physically shredding the memory chip of a USB stick so that the data stored on it cannot be recovered. What matters is the small flash memory chip inside, not the housing. For companies, destruction is carried out according to DIN 66399, material class E, with proof.
Destroying a USB stick: why erasing is often not enough
USB sticks are NAND flash memory with a simple controller. As with SSDs, the controller distributes data internally and keeps reserve blocks. Overwriting from the outside does not reliably reach these areas, and many cheap sticks do not support reliable erase commands. On top of that, USB sticks are small, numerous and quickly forgotten – in drawers, laptop bags or servers.
A hammer, drill or fire at home are not a reliable solution. The memory chip is tiny and can survive a damaged housing unharmed. In addition, there is no proof whatsoever.
Destruction according to DIN 66399
DIN 66399 assigns USB sticks to Material class E for electronic data carriers. The security levels specify how small the pieces may be at most, for level E-5 about 10 mm². Which level is appropriate depends on the protection needs of the data. An overview is given by the guide DIN 66399: protection classes and security levels.
At Second IT, all delivered devices are checked for storage media at goods receipt, including forgotten USB sticks. Data carriers such as hard drives, SSDs and USB sticks are destroyed in-house according to DIN 66399, under video surveillance and with a certificate of destruction. More on in-house data carrier destruction.
Frequently asked questions about destroying USB sticks
Is it enough to format a USB stick?
No. When formatting, data usually remains recoverable. Even repeated overwriting does not reliably reach all internal areas of the stick.
Can I destroy a USB stick with a hammer?
That is unreliable. The memory chip is very small and robust and often remains intact. In addition, there is no proof for your documentation.
How do I collect USB sticks until destruction?
In a locked container in a restricted-access location. Hand it over to the service provider with a record.
Which security level applies to destroying USB sticks?
According to DIN 66399, USB sticks belong to material class E. The security levels specify how small the pieces may be at most, for level E-5 about 10 mm². Which level is appropriate depends on the protection needs of the data.
Where are forgotten USB sticks found in companies?
Typically in drawers, laptop bags and servers. They are small, numerous and quickly forgotten. Specifically check retired devices for sticks before handing them over, and collect any you find in a locked container.
Securely destroy USB sticks and data carriers – with a certificate.
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